Iceland Pt. 2: The Interior & Holar

After being spoiled by Reykjavik’s (relatively) warm weather and urban luxuries, facing Kerlingarfjöll was an unnerving task. Our campsite sat between two glaciers, at the most inward point of Iceland we would venture to.

“The Interior” sounded like a place best left to Bear Grylls and his survival techniques, but we were up for the challenge.

Suprisingly, although unfairly cold, the Kerlingarfjöll campsite turned out to be one of my favorites. Rows of red a-frame cottages sat on either side of the valley that sheltered our tents from the wind and we could spend our evenings warming up and playing cards in the campground cafe.

I did, however, get my adrenaline rush in. First, when our fearless bus driver Tryggvi drove our bus through the river to the other side of camp, and again learning to self-arrest down snowfields (in other words, butt sliding with an ice pick). I was just getting a little weary of sleeping out in the cold when we left for Holar College. The idea of a crappy college dorm was more than enough to get us excited, so when we pulled up in front of the lovely cabins that would be our home for the next five nights, I was practically delirious.

It was probably one of the few times I’ll ever hear a group of people get that enthusiastic about electrical outlets and a laundry machine.

We were in comfy-mattress, unlimited-showering heaven. Not to mention in a gorgeous place with nearby hikes and free wifi. In the midst of studying for our quickly approaching final, drying out our sopping wet tents, and washing every item of clothing possible, our days at Holar were busy.

We hiked up into a cirque in the mountains, rode Icelandic horses (with only one semi-traumatic injury), and visted the seaside town Siglufjörður.

“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.”

Very beautiful trip! I love your pics and the places where you’re stayed! NICE! We went there last year in September and now would love to revisit this amazing country in the summer and also once in the winter.